F1 24 is the latest entry in the long-running Formula 1 game series from Codemasters and EA SPORTS and features all the teams, drivers and cars from the 2024 season, along with the full set of content for Formula 2 2023 (the F2 2024 grid will arrive in a post-launch update) .
The developers have stuck with Codemasters’ proprietary Ego game engine for F1 24, so players shouldn’t expect radically improved visuals, despite long-overdue graphics tweaks for tracks like Spa-Francorchamps.
There are still disappointing bumps on older models of tracks like Monza and the Hungaroring, such as occasional screen freezes during online modes for various games. However, the game generally runs smoothly, despite lacking the kind of polish you’d expect from a 2024 title.
However, the overall presentation is reasonably polished, featuring Sky Sports F1 regulars like Natalie Pinkham, Anthony Davidson and – of course – David Croft, so players feel like they’re watching an authentic F1 event (commentary wise, players can even replace Crofty for F1 TV Chief Commentator Alex Jacques if preferred).
Car handling has also been improved, with a new “Dynamic Handling” system designed to provide “more realistic and predictable performance” on both the gamepad and steering wheel controls.
In practice, the new suspension, tire and aero models seem to be aimed more at gamepad users, which is understandable given how most F1 24 players will be using the pad. With all assists turned off, traction zones are now easier to control, while curbs seem benign in all but the most extreme cases: Variante Tamburello curbs and Imola’s Gresini sausages can be monstrous, for example, so the gamepad has advanced significantly. less frustrating.
Many hardcore F1 enthusiasts will prefer to use the steering wheel, and while handling is mostly intuitive (following extensive force feedback tweaks), the cars feel very ‘on the nose’, with initial oversteer tending to understeer mid-corner. It may not suit everyone, but after some acclimatization it provides a predictable platform to help you tackle the game’s expansive career mode (no ‘Braking Point’ story content this time around – it’s twice a year).
F1 24
Photo credit: EA Sports F1 24
Compared to its predecessors, not much has changed in this regard: players run specific training programs set by their engineers and earn points for upgrades that help improve their car. Additional buffs are also provided by completing objectives for the new-for-2024 specialists – personnel with specific skills – who come and go throughout the season. Doing well increases the new ‘Driver Recognition’ stat, which helps attract potential employers.
For the first time ever, players can choose to drive as one of the F1 grids, with each driver’s rating – including your own – increasing or decreasing throughout the season. However, the effects of these new additions are mostly profound.
The new Challenge Career mode adds interesting, concise scenarios with online leaderboards that rank the highest scoring players. More will be added throughout the season, with the returning F1 World and My Team modes continuing to offer interesting twists to the main single-player career. Microtransactions are present (but entirely optional), with the much-mocked supercars now a thing of the past.
Is it worth buying F1 24 if you already own F1 23? All in all, there are few real innovations that set it apart from its predecessor. Challenge Career is an interesting but limited addition; the redesigned handling model is both divisive and forgiving; and the effects of the driver recognition and driver rating systems have very little effect on players’ career mode choices.
However, the redesigned circuits bring the series up to modern F1 standards, and while the career mode is similar to previous incarnations, it still provides an interesting and immersive challenge.
Whether you’re completely new to the F1 series or have skipped a few entries, F1 24 offers an authentic hit of F1-themed action with a forgiving control model that will appeal to the vast majority of players. However, this may alienate those looking for a more visceral driving experience.
F1 24
Photo credit: EA Sports F1 24
F1 24 price and console availability
● EA SPORTS/Codemasters
● PC (Steam, Epic Game Store, EA App), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
● RRP: £59.99 (Standard Edition), £79.99 (Champions Edition)